Kunle Adelabu
Students from five schools across Ikorodu exhibited their Ijebu dialect prowess on stage on Wednesday during the Inter – School Debate in Ijebu Dialect, which is part of the educational programmes of the annual Ikorodu -Oga Celebration.
The debate fielded students from United Senior High School, Ikorodu, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, Isawo Senior Grammar School, Government College, Ikorodu and Ikorodu Senior High School, Ikorodu, as contestants took place at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu.
Contestants first debated for and against the topic: “Upa Esi olaju nko ninu Asa ati Use Yoruba?” (the effects of modernisation on tradition and culture of Yoruba), and addressed the audience for three minutes on any issue of choice before questions were asked by the judges. Most of the participants encountered challenges in fluent expression of themselves in Ijebu dialect which led to laughter from the audience, but a few of them, especially the young contestant from Ikorodu High School, proved her ability in her fluent expression.
Questions asked by the judges ranged from types of traditional festivals, traditional areas, local foods, markets and the name of the traditional ruler in Ikorodu.
At the end of the process, the sole student from Ikorodu Senior High School, emerged as the winner, while Oriwu Senior Model High School, Ikorodu placed second and Isawo Senior Grammar School, was third. They received N50, 000, N30, 000 and N20, 000, respectively as prize money.
The IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole in his speech said that the Ijebu dialect debate is part of the youth engagement programmes which is an integral part of the annual Ikorodu – Oga Celebration. It is aimed at ensuring youth inclusiveness in community activities.
He urged them to remain focused, engage in community activities and have integrity, assuring them that IKODASS will continue to do everything to support their growth as the future of Ikorodu.
Engr. Hammed Idowu, chairman, Youth Activities Committee, IKODASS, of the organising committee in his remarks said that the contest is not about winning but participating. He commended schools that are being represented for their contributions in sustaining the Ijebu dialect.
The occasion was chaired by Mr Lateef Adeniyi Anifowoshe, who donated school bags to the first, second and third positions as a point in emphasising the importance of Ijebu speaking in personal and socio – cultural development.
Comrade Abubakri Asoro, State Vice Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), in his remarks commended IKODASS for its youth inclusiveness initiatives over the years.
He charged youths to develop integrity so they will go places in life. He also added that the younger generation should do away with social vices and drug abuse.
Asoro also urged them to develop good community engagement and school activities to prepare for the future.
Comrade Okeowo, former chairman, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ikorodu LG, who is one of the judges reiterated the importance of language especially the Ijebu dialect in socio -cultural and economic development.
She said that the dialect is good in promoting good neighbourliness especially amongst ijebus, and development
Comrade Okeowo also pleaded for the sustenance of the dialect to prevent it from extinction.
